This year, for the first time, Albania emerged from the economic-financial recession, recorded a noticeable economic growth and an increase in per capita income, and also registered a significant improvement in the main economic-financial indicators. These achievements are considered highly encouraging for the country’s future, despite the wounds and negative phenomena inherited from the past, social problems, outbreaks of crime, etc. The government’s analysis of the results achieved and the country’s prospects for 1995, presented in the session of the People’s Assembly, concluded that this year can be considered the year of the turning point for positive changes in life and the socio-economic revival of the country. The question arises: Why did the leadership of the socialist parliamentary group and the press of this party, speaking with skepticism and pessimism, deny and fail to properly value these results? Why did they confront them more with reservations and doubts than by supporting economic efforts and reforms? That is 5 times 3 = 15! Is this not a preconceived political stance aimed at hindering the implementation of reforms? Instead of giving hope and confidence through constructive criticism, they stirred up hesitation and uncertainty. At the center of this skepticism lies the refusal of the market economy and the privatization of property. It is precisely here that their alternative is revealed: blocking reform. If the economy moves forward, the political ground of communist nostalgia collapses. Therefore, part of the socialist leadership tries to keep the crisis alive, exploiting it politically. This stance is not accidental. It is linked to the ideological legacy of the PPSH and to the inability to break away from the old concepts of state administration. Instead of encouraging private enterprise, competition, and individual responsibility, a return to control, centralization, and economic paternalism is proposed. Under these conditions, obstructing reform is the only and ominous alternative of the Albanian socialist leadership. If this alternative were realized, the country would risk losing the momentum of recovery, increasing poverty, and dimming citizens’ hopes for a better future. The choice is clear: either continue reform and integration into the market economy, or go back to crisis and uncertainty.

The Social Democratic Union of Albania, after completing the legal documentation, has been registered with the court as a political subject. The news was announced by representatives of this new political force, who emphasized that their aim is to build a modern social-democratic alternative. According to the statements, the new force will be based on the principles of pluralism, the market economy, and social rights. Representatives of the Social Democratic Union said that its creation reflects the need for another representation of the Albanian left, detached from ideological extremes. They also underlined that the registration of the subject is a formal step, while the main work will be organizing at the grassroots level and presenting the program to the public.

Activities of the PSD branch, Tropojë The branch of the Social Democratic Party in Tropojë held a meeting with its structures and supporters, where the need to defend democratic reforms and oppose any attempt to return to the past was emphasized. The speakers assessed that the political situation requires clarity and civic mobilization so as not to allow the deformation of democratic processes. In the discussions it was underlined that the experience of communism and dictatorship has left severe consequences in the life of the country and that going back would be unacceptable. The participants expressed support for political pluralism and for the continuation of economic and institutional reforms.

After a period of difficulties in the power supply, the coastal city returned to normality with the lights being turned on and the service improving. Residents welcomed the news with relief, while local authorities said that measures have been taken to stabilize supply. According to the announcements, technical and organizational interventions made it possible to gradually restore electricity, reducing problems for families and businesses. Citizens asked that the situation not be temporary, but that continuity of service be guaranteed.

Yesterday in the People’s Assembly Closing of the permanent committees Yesterday in the People’s Assembly, the meetings of the permanent committees were held, where various agenda items were discussed. The deputies examined draft acts and information received from ministries and other institutions, with the aim of preparing future plenary sessions. The discussions also addressed problems related to reforms, the implementation of laws, and institutional coordination. The committee representatives emphasized the need for greater efficiency and more careful monitoring of issues affecting citizens.

Yesterday, the court began hearing the case against Aliben Linke. The first session focused on presenting the charges, verifying the procedures, and identifying the parties to the case. The judicial panel heard the initial statements and scheduled the continuation of the hearing for the following sessions. According to the initial information, the case has attracted attention because of its circumstances and public interest. In the coming days, further evidence and testimonies are expected to be presented. The defense requested respect for all procedural guarantees, while the prosecution presented its position regarding the charges.

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At around 9:00, on 29 January 1995, in the National Historical Museum, the National Council of the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity, elected at its Congress, will meet. At this meeting the current and long-term problems and tasks of the party in the present political conditions will be discussed. Members of the National Council, the party leadership, deputies of PDSH, representatives of the press and information, are invited to attend. ILIRJANA A. VAJO